Firefighters Jobs Pay in Wilmington, NC

Average Hourly Pay

$19.83
38.0%Below national average

Range: $18.89 - $20.78

Average Annual Pay

$41,256
38.0%Below national average

Range: $39,291 - $43,220

Entry-level
$35,068/per year
Top 10%
$43,220+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$19.83
38.0%Below national average

Range: $18.89 - $20.78

How much does a Firefighter make in Wilmington, NC?

The average annual salary for a firefighter in Wilmington, NC is $41,256 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $19.83 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $793 per week or $3,438 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for firefighters in Wilmington, NC

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$35k
75th
$41k
Top 10%
$43k

Firefighters salaries in Wilmington, NC can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $43,220, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $39,291 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for firefighters in Wilmington, NC — about $6,188 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for firefighters to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for firefighters around Wilmington, NC

While the average salary for a firefighters in Wilmington, NC is $41,256 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 6 cities report average firefighters salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is Greensboro-High Point, followed by Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia and Jacksonville, which also rank among the top-paying locations for firefighters in the state.

Greensboro-High Point stands out with firefighters earning around $11,400 more than the statewide average, or about 28% higher.

In Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia and Jacksonville, average salaries are about $5,580 higher than the Wilmington, NC average, representing roughly a 14% increase.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, firefighters may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within Wilmington, NC.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Firefighters pay in Wilmington, NC by experience level

Salaries for firefighters in Wilmington, NC often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$16.86/hrRange: $18.89 – $16.86
Annual Rate$35,068Range: $39,291 $35,068

Entry-level firefighters (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $39,291 – $35,068 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$19.83/hrRange: $16.86 – $22.80
Annual Rate$41,256Range: $35,068 $47,444

Mid-level firefighters (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $35,068 – $47,444 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$22.80/hrRange: $22.80 – $20.78
Annual Rate$47,444Range: $47,444 $43,220

Experienced firefighters (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $47,444 – $43,220 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of firefighters in Wilmington, NC

Several factors can influence how much firefighters earn in Wilmington, NC, even when the average salary is around $41,256 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $35,068, while experienced professionals can make $47,444+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for firefighters in Wilmington, NC, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

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FAQs about Firefighter in Wilmington, NC

Do firefighters make good money in Wilmington, NC?

Whether or not you think firefighters pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for firefighters in Wilmington, NC is about $41,256 per year, or roughly $19.83 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $35,068 annually, while experienced workers can earn $47,444 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can firefighters make $50,000 a year in Wilmington, NC?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $41,256, top-earning firefighters in Wilmington, NC can make about $43,220 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $40,000 a good salary for a firefighter in Wilmington, NC?

A salary of $40,000 is close to the average for firefighters in Wilmington, NC. Most professionals in this role earn between $35,068 and $47,444 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting firefighter make in Wilmington, NC?

Entry-level firefighters in Wilmington, NC typically earn around $16.86/hr, which equals roughly $35,068 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified firefighter make in Wilmington, NC?

Licensed or certified firefighters in Wilmington, NC earn about $41,256 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $35,068 and $47,444 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $43,220 or more.

What is the hourly pay for firefighters in Wilmington, NC?

The average hourly pay for firefighters in Wilmington, NC is about $19.83 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $16.86, while experienced professionals can earn $22.80+ per hour.

What is the salary range for firefighters in Wilmington, NC?

Most firefighters in Wilmington, NC earn between $35,068 and $47,444 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $43,220 annually.

How fast does pay increase for firefighters?

Pay for firefighters typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $35,068 early in their careers to $47,444+ after several years of experience.
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